Looking for tips for our first trip to Disney in Oct.

[busybee68]

80 days and counting!

I spent the better part of yesterday rearranging my flight schedule and making dining reservations.  Trans Air went from an 11:40 am flight departing PHL to 8:00 am, with 2 little ones I didn't see that happening so I had to switch it to 12:35p. 

Doesn't if figure that I made all of my dining reservations before I realized the switch with the airline.  My original plan was to arrive in Disney, check in, go to the Magic Kingdom then the Luau at the Polynesian at 8.  Now that our flight won't be landing until after 3 that doesn't leave us much time for the Magic Kingdom before the luau. 

What I'm trying to say, lol, is that it screws everything up.  I was planning 1 Park a day so I made dinner reservations at each park for the night.  Considering the kids think that ALL there is to Disney is the Magic Kingdom I can't say "hey, let's do that Park on Sunday" so now I need to move M.K. to Thursday and Animal Kingdom to Sunday.  Why does it always have to be something?

I haven't been to Disney in more than 10 yrs.  The last time I was there was when Universal Studios opened.  They don't even call it Universal or MGM Studios anymore.....Hollywood Studios we're going there on Saturday. Shows you how long it's been.

I was hoping that you Veteran's/Floridians could give me advice about the "do's & don'ts" of Disney.  We're staying at the Pop Culture Resort I've heard great things about that place anyone ever stayed there?  We have Hopper Passes, does that include Fast Pass for the rides?  Tia, what's the weather like in mid Oct?  Shorts or jeans?  Will there still be daily rain showers that time of the year?  The kids are going Trick or Treating on the 18th ($100 bucks for that but worth it I'm sure) anyone ever done that?  How's Typhoon Lagoon....or go to Epcot instead? 

I'm intimidated by a vacation such as this being the "Mommy".  It's quite different then packing everything under the sun in your camper, lol.

Thanks in advance for the advice Mouseketeers, can't wait to read your replies!

[MSugarKane]

Jul. 26, 2009 at 6:20 PM

I think if your a member of AAA you get a discount buying tickets there.

Also for the plane ride bring snacks for the kids.  Plane delays do happen and when your stuck on a plane , sitting there waiting to leave, they don't serve food or drinks.  

Have fun though!!! 

[KissieBaby3]

Jul. 27, 2009 at 2:27 PM

DO NOT buy souviners INSIDE Disney!!!!  There are tons of places near-by that sell the same stuff for much, much less!!!!  If anything...hit the gift shops BEFORE you go into Disney.  See what they have verses what Disney has and then make a decision.  There are some really nice Restraunts near Disney that are cheap, buffet style and have great food.  OH.....there's a place called "Old Town" and they have a really cute  mini carnival with go-carts and such.  There's lots of cute shops, too.  We once stayed at a Hotel right there at Old Town in a suite for like $70 a night!!!!  It was fabulous.  Had a mini livingroom, full kitchen, huge room.  Can't remember if it was a Holiday Inn Suite or Days Inn.  You can also sometimes get 2 free tickets into Disney just for participating in a viewing of a TimeShare.  Just flat out refuse to buy and they still give you the free tickets.  :o)

 

[KissieBaby3]

Jul. 27, 2009 at 2:28 PM

OH...you ARE allowed to bring a carry-in cooler.  When we go we take a cooler with bottled drinks and bagged snacks.  The drinks and food are OUTRAGEOUS!!!  For a bottle of water or soda it's like $2!!  If anything....bring your own drinks!!!

[cuteasabutton78]

Jul. 29, 2009 at 1:17 PM

Defiantly bring your own drinks, like kissiebaby3 said. Also, in the Magic Kingdom I found it hard to find a restroom with a changing table for diapering. Make sure you have a changing pad or somthing to put your LO on to change. (Can't remember if you have one that is still in diapers)  That was my biggest issue!

[digitalscraps]

Jul. 31, 2009 at 1:42 PM What fun!! Just remember to take your time, enjoy yourselves and don't try to see everything. Disney is so big now - its overwhelming! My sister and I took the kids to Blizzard Beach one day and had a wonderful time!!

[yovonna]

Jan. 2, 2010 at 2:06 PM

 DONT GO ON GAY DAYS.. http://www.gaydays.com/